Gareth Ellis has confirmed he has definitely drawn a line under his career at the end of this season.
The 39-year-old came out of retirement last season after 18 months away from the sport, and continued to play for the Black and Whites in 2020.
However, as he approaches his 40th birthday next year, Ellis confirmed to League Express that there is no chance of him playing on into his 40s, and that he is now comfortable, unlike several years ago, that the time is now right to hang up his boots.
“I will 100 per cent not be playing next year,” he said.
“I could have announced it a few weeks ago, but I’m in a good place with it and I know it’s definitely the right time.
“In 2017, when I retired the first time around, it was a tough decision,” he said.
“I wasn’t sure if it was the right decision even when I made it, and it turned out that it wasn’t the right one. It was the right thing to have a break though, and I’m thankful that I got the opportunity to have one last crack at it, because I’ve really enjoyed the past 18 months on the field.
“It’s been like a second coming, and it’s taken me to the finish line once and for all now. I’m comfortable in knowing I’m making the right decision, because mentally and physically, I’ve come to the end.”
Ellis continued: “When I was out there before, I was wanting to get out there every week and make a difference, and crucially feeling like I could, but now I’m watching at home, I feel more like a team-mate and a fan, comfortable knowing those boys can get the job done without me.
“That’s a good inclination that I’m at the end. I don’t wish I was out there any more. To see the fruits of the lads’ labour in the last few months, and watch them grow, that’s comforting. I know it’s the right time to finish now.”
The above content is also available in the regular weekly edition of League Express, on newsstands every Monday in the UK and as a digital download. Click here for more details.
